In the design of transonic and supersonic aircraft, the principle that the longitudinal variation of the cross-sectional area of an aircraft should approximate to that of the shape subject to the least drag at the speed in question.
Origin
1950s.
Definition of area rule in US English:
area rule
noun
Aeronautics
In the design of transonic and supersonic aircraft, the principle that the longitudinal variation of the cross-sectional area of an aircraft should approximate to that of the shape subject to the least drag at the speed in question.